Formal Region
• Usually have distinct
boundaries.
• Has one or more
common feature that
makes it different
from surrounding
areas
Examples: Sahara Desert,
Industrial Park, Dairy Belt,
Canada, language, ethnic groups
Functional (Nodal) Region
• Area organized around a
“node” or focal point
• If the function of this region
ceases to exists, the region no
longer exists.
– Trait dominant @ central point;
diminishes as move outward
– Interactions between core &
hinterland
• EXAMPLES: railroad systems, highways,
arts districts, shopping malls
Perceptual (Vernacular) Region
• Reflects human
feelings and
attitudes.
• You may not be
able to locate them
on a map.
– EXAMPLES: “Back
Home where I come
from…”, “the Midwest”,
Dixie, the lower 48…
Functional Region WHY?
WHY?
Formal Region
Spanish Speaking
Countries
Functional Region
WHY?
Perceptual Region
“YANKEE!!!”
WHY?
Functional Region
DART SYSTEM MAP
WHY?
WHY?
Perceptual
Region
Formal Region
CORN BELT
WHY?
Observe the map below.
Now watch the video clip. They are both regions of
Texas, but are they the same type of region?
What type of region is described in the video?
What type of region is depicted in the map?
Bernie explains Texas